Information about Svartifoss

Svartifoss, in the area of Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park, is one of Iceland’s most scenic waterfalls.

This narrow 20 metre high waterfall is located in a horse-shoe shaped gorge and derives its name, ‘Dark waterfall’, from the fact that it is framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns. These are very pronounced and make for a truly spectacular sight. At the base you’ll see notably sharp rocks that have broken from the columns, as new column sections break faster than the water wears down the edges.

Architect Guðjón Samúelsson was inspired by the basalt columns of Svartifoss when designing the exterior of Hallgrímskirkja church, which towers over Iceland's capital, Reykjavík, from Skólavörðuhæð hill, and when designing the ceiling of the National Theatre, also in Reykjavík. Likewise the world-renowned sculptor Richard Serra drew inspiration from the columns for his sculpture Milestones, located in Viðey Island in Kollafjörður bay, near Reykjavik.